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Meet the team

Meet the dedicated minds behind every impeccable service and unforgettable experience we offer. Our team, a blend of passion and expertise, is committed to ensuring your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. Dive in and get to know the individuals who make magic happen every day.

Michelle Malcolm

Managing Director

Michelle Malcolm

“My focus is on developing a successful business that has a complete ‘yes I can’ attitude to our clients, great supplier relationships and a happy, stable, motivated team that loves what they do. I want our Quay Travel community to feel that, between us, we have the knowledge of the best destinations, ‘wow’ hotels, and travel experiences that we can share with all of our valued clients.”

Owner operator Michelle has an energetic and passionate approach to business, building and managing relationships like the pro that she is. Her client list reads like the ‘who’s who’ of New Zealand; travellers who appreciate her knowledge, expertise, and 24 hour service.

Her other passions include her family, keeping fit with cycling, yoga and gym workouts, spending quality time with friends over a wine or two, and travelling to new and exciting destinations.

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Cindy Palmer

Travel Designer

Cindy Palmer

For over three decades, Cindy has been immersed in the travel industry, commencing her journey alongside Michelle in corporate travel in 1992. Fast forward to 2016, when Cindy joined her again, at QUAY Travel. Since then, she's been on an exhilarating ride, expanding her expertise in leisure travel – a journey that continues to excite.

Always keen to use her passport, Cindy has travelled a number of times to Europe – having recently added Slovenia and Croatia to the tally. In the last few years, she's been lucky to experience Sardinia, Spain, the Philippines, New York, Bali….and a European river cruise never goes astray!

At work, building meaningful relationships with clients and crafting itineraries are Cindy's passions. Particularly satisfying is when a client relishes a tour, destination, or accommodation that she's recommended.

After hours, you can often find Cindy unwinding with loved ones over a glass of wine, and she's no stranger to the gym or the netball court…see the comment about wine!

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Lisa Lilley

Travel Designer

Lisa Lilley

Lisa's journey into the world of travel began thanks to her neighbours, who were also family friends back in those days. After her school years, she found herself helping out at a travel agency, and she's never looked back since. Her primary focus is on working closely with customers to create a high standard of customer service, always delivered in a personal and friendly manner. Lisa has a genuine love for Quay Travel's values of 'Friendship' and 'Beyond – going further,' values that she believes play a pivotal role in the company's outstanding reputation with both suppliers and clients.

With over 35 years of experience in the corporate and leisure travel business, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her travels have taken her to various regions around the world, from the South Pacific close to home to far-flung destinations like Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and even the enchanting continent of Africa, which she describes as a 'dream come true' destination that exceeded all expectations. Lisa also enjoys mixing things up with some memorable cruising experiences.

When she's not at work, you'll often find Lisa spending quality time with her family, savouring delicious food and wine, and tending to the garden on their lovely lifestyle block.

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Donna Hill

Cruise & Travel Designer

Donna Hill

Donna's travel passion runs deep. It's more than a job; it's her lifelong love. She aids corporate clients in business travel and helps leisure clients with dream getaways.  It’s an amazing world out there, and Donna believes it's never too late to travel.  Trust her; you won't be disappointed!

With over 35 years in the travel industry, selling travel whilst living in the USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, Donna's exceptional qualities extend beyond her vast travel experience. Her warm and friendly demeanor fosters strong customer bonds, and complements her extensive knowledge of fabulous destinations.

Donna's travel fervor has led her to explore diverse corners of the world, from North America to UK/ Europe, to Southeast Asia, and South America embracing her special affinity for travel and cruising. As one of the top 3 CLIA MASTER cruise consultants in New Zealand, Donna has cruised on various sizes and standards of ships, and has a wealth of knowledge of the cruise industry. She enjoys tailoring perfect holiday experiences, with or without a cruise and its pre/post extensions.

When not immersed in work, Donna relishes quality time with family and animals, savoring all types of cuisine, a great chardonnay, exploring new destinations, going to the gym, and watching all sports. From her thirst for learning Donna has many qualifications, including a Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management, which further enhance her travel industry expertise.    

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Michelle Sutton

Cruise & Travel Designer

Michelle Sutton

Meet Michelle, the cheerful advocate of the mantra 'Eat well, Travel often.' After embarking on a fantastic overseas experience (OE) that involved whipping up delightful dishes for guests in Africa, France, and Scotland, she returned to Auckland in the early '90s with a newfound passion for becoming a Travel Agent.

With over 22 years of valuable experience in the travel industry, Michelle has spent the last 12 years specializing in Cruising. What sets her aglow is the art of crafting dream vacations with her clients. The joy she finds in both planning and fostering personal connections is evident as she takes the time to understand and fulfill the unique needs of each client.

Michelle recently discovered her love for Japan during a visit and indulged her adventurous spirit with an Expedition cruise in the Kimberleys. This experience perfectly blended her passion for active adventures, continuous learning, and exploration.

During her downtime, you can catch Michelle on her bike, paddleboard, beach, or hiking trail—living life to the fullest and sharing her zest for adventure with everyone around her.

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Shayne Howell

Airfare Guru

Shayne Howell

Shayne Howell, our airfares expert at Quay Travel, brings a wealth of industry experience and a fervent passion for unearthing the best flight deals. His exceptional skill lies in finding those elusive airfares that simply aren't available online. Known for his deep understanding of the complexities of airline pricing and networks, Shayne possesses a unique talent for securing the most advantageous fares for our clients. His dedication and expertise not only save our clients' money but also enhance their overall travel experience, making him a true asset to our team and a hero to our travellers.

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Claire Taylor

Travel Support

Claire Taylor

Claire Taylor is an invaluable part of the Quay Travel team. Her expertise in organizing and managing client documentation is essential in supporting our Travel Advisors. Claire's meticulous attention to detail ensures our clients receive top-notch, accurate travel itineraries. Her dedication not only streamlines our operations but also enhances the overall client experience. When she is not at work you can find her outdoors hiking, riding trails or enjoying a glass of wine with friends.

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Jenifer Haveria

Finance Guru

Jenifer Haveria

Jenifer, our Finance Manager from the Philippines, combines her financial acumen with a deep love for travel. At Quay Travel, she found her tribe, sharing a commitment to the travel industry. Her expertise ensures seamless financial operations, while her personal adventures, like her memorable trip to New Zealand's "The Landing," fuel her passion. When not balancing the books or exploring new beaches, Jen enjoys cooking for her family, reading, and relaxing with a movie and a glass of wine, embodying the spirit of adventure and diligence that defines our team.

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What our customers say about Us

Travel is more than just destinations; it's the thread that weaves us together. Dive into our luxury travel reviews and see how journeys have beautifully connected our travelers.
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